What is the destructive lie that fuels envy and is magnified by it? Remember, we aren’t talking about envying the Godly traits or healthy-living disciplines you see in someone else. But when you envy someone’s possessions, what you’re really saying is, “I am not content with what I have; I deserve more, and that [fill in the blank] should be mine, not my neighbor’s.”
If God is the One making the decisions regarding who has what, then the core belief of envy is … drum roll please … “God made a mistake! He didn’t give me the wonderful thing I deserve. In fact, He gave it to someone else who doesn’t deserve it as much as I do.” That’s right. You believe God made a mistake. Our thinking goes like this: If God really knew me and loved me, He would give me what I want, because I know “all” and that thing is what I actually “need.”
These distortions and lies are all part of Satan’s plot to make it seem like God isn’t interested in us, doesn’t love us, doesn’t want to help us, or is impotent and can’t help us. Therefore, He really isn’t a loving and all-powerful God. The lie builds an almost impenetrable barrier between God and us. It draws us away from Him, sabotaging the relationship He desires with us, and pushes us to rely on ourselves. God’s love is the most powerful component of the universe, and Satan wants to blind us to it, making us think that God doesn’t love, or even care for us one bit.
When you believe you know what you need and that God doesn’t, then it’s hard to make the second biggest decision of your life. Is Jesus the Lord of your life, or are you lord of your own life? (The biggest decision is “Did Jesus die for my sins so I can have a relationship with God, or can I overcome my sin on my own, through my efforts to win God’s favor?”)
Today, examine your beliefs about God. Ask yourself, 1. “Am I envious of what others have?” 2. “At times, am I dissatisfied with what I have?” 3. “Am I angry with God for my circumstances?” 4. “How often do I look to The Holy Bible for answers that grow me, so God can give me different circumstances?” Then, look deeper and examine whether you truly believe God made a mistake. If you have some dissatisfaction or envy, then you believe that God made a mistake. Whether you acknowledge Him as your mistake-less Lord, or exalt yourself as the all-knowing lord of your life, it’s your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear God, Your love and grace for me are magnificent. Thank You so much for being perfect in all ways. I confess that often I see something another person has and wonder why I don’t have that. At times, I strongly resent that I don’t have it and believe I deserve it. I regret that I sadden You. You have given me so much for which I can be grateful. I blow off all those gifts and wish for the one I don’t have but think I need. I realize You know it isn’t right for me at this stage of my development. I yearn for a heart that wants to change, and is willing to have the pain in order to get the gain. God, I know You will share in that pain and provide peace and comfort. Help me be brave enough to walk one Stepping Stone closer to the life that is within reach. In Jesus’ name I find true contentment and absolution. And all God’s children say AMEN!
The Truth
O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether. Psalm 139:1-4
